After a rental car accident, you need to get a handle on the situation as quickly as possible. That's because any delays may not work in your favor. In fact, they may even make it more difficult to get the compensation you deserve.
So, what should you do after a rental car accident? Here are three steps to ensure your rental car accident claim is handled properly.
Assess the Damage
You should assess and document the damage to your car after an accident. In doing so, you can determine if you need to file a claim with your insurance company. If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, you may be covered for the damage to your rental car. But you need to check your policy limits and deductibles before making a claim.
It may be cheaper to pay for the repairs yourself than to make a claim in some cases. Either way, make sure you get an estimate of the damage before making any decisions. By assessing the damage after an accident, you can help ensure that you take the best course of action for your rental car.
Gather Information
After a rental car accident, remain calm and gather as much information as possible. This information can support your insurance claim and help you get the compensation you deserve. Be sure to get the contact information of any witnesses and the name, address, and phone number of the other driver.
You should also take photos of any skid marks or debris on the road. These photos can help prove if road conditions played a role in the accident. If poor road conditions caused the collision, you could limit your liability.
If possible, get a copy of the police report. This report can be used as evidence when filing an insurance claim. Your lawyer could also use the police reports to help build your case if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Call the Rental Car Company
Many drivers assume that they can exchange insurance information with the other driver and be on their way. However, this is not the case when you're renting a car. Make sure you contact the rental car company as soon as possible after an accident.
The rental company will have specific instructions for how to proceed, and they may have their own insurance that will cover the cost of the damage. Additionally, the rental company can help to arrange for a replacement vehicle if your rental car is no longer drivable.
For more information, contact an attorney's office like Frenkel & Frenkel.
Share12 April 2022
When you are involved in a messy car accident, things can get complicated fast. In addition to proving who was at fault, you might also have to worry about healing. However, you don't have to endure long phone calls and complicated insurance paperwork on your own. Hiring an attorney is the key to remaining strong during the aftermath of a car accident. As you think about your own situation, try to figure out if you can do things on your own. If you feel like you need a little help, don't be afraid to talk with an attorney. The information on this website should help you to decide how legal counsel can help you.
